When we think about volunteering, it is often about using our unique strengths to contribute to the community. This profile, though, is about someone who combined new weaknesses with her existing strengths in order to help others.As a cancer survivor, Lucy Thomson found herself facing a new reality of physical challenges as a result of her treatment. She has now turned living that reality into her super power as a volunteer.Born and raised in Wanaka, and partially driven by having grown up with friends with Downs Syndrome and Epilepsy, Lucy studied Occupational Therapy and Diversional Therapy, which helps elderly and disabled people engage with meaningful activities.However, her desire to be a chef sent her down a completely different path starting with training at Otago Polytech and moving on to hard physical and mental work as a chef in Wanaka.Then cancer struck. As her own body changed over two and a half years of chemotherapy, Lucy increased her innate ability to relate to people with struggles and developed a great empathy for people facing difficulties. On the road to recovery, Lucy spends her time with her family, doing physio, walking and playing with her dogs, drawing, colouring, and knitting baby hats for Beanies for Babies and via Middlemore for Auckland hospitals.Lucy Thomson with her dogs.When she saw a video on Facebook highlighting M!NT with the kids singing and dancing and their parents talking about what the programme meant to their families, Lucy immediately knew she wanted to become involved. M!NT Charitable Trust is a small group of local families working on a voluntary basis to support kids, youth and young adults with intellectual disabilities in the Upper Clutha Region.Combining her early training in therapy with her natural creative talents, Lucy began helping with the music group where kids sing both familiar and new songs that they choose, explore different instruments, and learn and laugh together. She quickly realised that the role really fits her. Many people without intellectual and physical challenges strive to be empathetic to people with different needs, but Lucy is now able to truly do so.M!NT delivers an activity programme, including gym, dance, yoga, kickball, swimming, as well as holiday excursions such as trampolining in Queenstown and trips up the mountain. They also strive for inclusion in community events such as Challenge Wanaka and RUBY Swim. With a wide range of ways for volunteers to participate, Lucy soon broadened her role.One of her favourite activities is the M!NT Dinner Crew outings where the older M!NT Crew (15 years and up) not only have the chance to socialise but also learn social and life skills by ordering and paying. Lucy shared a particularly proud moment when she saw “one of the group serving water to everyone around the table”.What does Lucy get out of it? “Mint gives me the opportunity to help enrich the lives of others while enriching my own,” she said.Seeing a kid you know “engaged and happy in the moment” is an amazing feeling and is accompanied by giving “parents a bit of a break when they know their kids are having a good time in a safe setting where they are accepted for who they are”.Lucy is also learning herself, whether that be from the initial induction training, or through ongoing coaching from programme manager Charlotte Jackson, to more formal learning opportunities like online courses for understanding intellectual disabilities and, especially fun, the volunteer night out when they share tips and tricks, feedback, and discuss how to handle challenges.  “It’s such a supportive, flexible, positive environment with really good vibes” where you can pick and choose which activities you contribute to, she said.On the fence about volunteering yourself? Consider Lucy’s words of advice: “Just give it a go – it’s as simple as that. If it doesn’t suit you or you want to try something else, that’s fine.”M!NT provides opportunities for those with additional needs to be themselves, interact with each other as well as the community and, importantly, a chance to be independent. M!NT has many different volunteer opportunities available, ranging from support people, drivers or graphic design.  At Volunteer South - Central Lakes, we can discuss your skills and goals for volunteering and help make the perfect match. See more roles on the Volunteer page in your Wanaka App.Volunteer South is a charitable trust that engages and supports both tūao volunteers and volunteers involving organisations and community groups in the Southern region of Aotearoa New Zealand.

Local photographer Oscar Hetherington has been awarded Landscape Photographer of the Year and runner up for Overall Photographer of the Year at the Otago Museum Photography Awards. Oscar, who is just 20 years old, was “very excited and shocked” when his image, ‘Top to Bottom’, was selected for both of those awards in a large field with over 4000 entries, he told the Wanaka App.Oscar had held the image back from social media knowing it was ‘special’. “I aim to shoot and share something unique so sometimes hold onto a photo for up to a year or so until I find the right way to share it, via print or in a magazine or enter it into any awards. This was also the first time I had entered the Otago museum photography awards.” When Oscar visits Wanaka, his home town, he takes to the skies with his father, a pilot, in search of new terrain and beautiful views. This is how ‘Top to Bottom’ was captured, on a mid-winter evening last year flying over Mt Ionia in Mount Aspiring National Park.  “It stands out to me because it gives the perspective of peering over the edge of a mountain top all the way down to the valley floor and rivers below,” Oscar said. Oscar first picked up a camera when he was 14-years-old, with a view to capture and document adventures with his friends.He loves shooting and creating images, and describes his approach to image making as “unconventional.”  Many of his images are taken in the ocean and in extreme conditions in the outdoors, but overcoming these challenges is something Oscar enjoys the most.“I know that every story has a different way of being told. I like to think as a problem solver, and action taker.” “I've definitely had a few close calls, had mild hypothermia once or twice and always get a good adrenaline rush from shooting in the ocean.” Oscar wants to sell his prints as fine art, and work with companies whose values align with his love of risk taking, story-telling and problem solving. “I'm looking forward to the future, exploring new places, sharing stories and taking lots of photos,” he said. See more of Oscar’s stunning visuals here.

Cardrona-Treble Cone general manager Bridget Legnavsky has been promoted in a recent realignment of parent organisation Wayfare Group.Bridget is promoted to the new position of chief experience officer with responsibility for all Wayfare Group experiences, Wayfare chief executive officer Stephen England-Hall said.“Bridget is a visionary leader, with an incredible talent for building team culture to deliver an outstanding guest experience and we want to continue to ensure this is developed further across the group,” he said.  She will lead, coach and mentor a team of general managers responsible for Wayfare’s tourism and ski experiences across their brands Real Journeys, Go Orange, the International Antarctic Centre and Cardrona Alpine Resort.Wanaka-based Bridget will still have overall responsibility for "the Cardrona/Treble Cone Experience”, but there will be a new ski experience general manager (yet to be announced) reporting to her.Bridget LegnavskyBridget’s new role was one of several announced today (Tuesday June 22) designed to bring the diverse capabilities from across the Wayfare Group to work together to build a more sustainable business, Stephen said. Wayfare’s operations stretch from Christchurch to Stewart Island and include International Antarctic Centre, Walter Peak TSS Earnslaw in Queenstown, Milford and Doubtful Sounds day and overnight trips, Go Orange rafting and Cardrona/Treble Cone skifields.In the wake of Covid-19’s impact on tourism, the realignment of the Wayfare Group has meant refocusing its purpose and accelerating the move towards sustainable tourism by delivering the most memorable experiences, Bridget said.“It’s a very bold purpose towards change,” she said, and she will be relying on “people capable of being visionaries” to achieve it.“I feel incredibly privileged to be asked to lead this step-change [in purpose], designing what’s sustainable but also the parts that can be regenerative...and working with others to bring it to life,” she said. Wayfare’s changes have opened up a number of new leadership opportunities within the company and have not resulted in any job losses, Stephen said.Real Journeys general manager Paul Norris, who was presented with the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to tourism and conservation last month, has been promoted to chief conservation officer to lead conservation and sustainability initiatives across the group. PHOTOS: Supplied

Wanaka theatre maven Gilly Pugh has taken on the challenge of musical director for the Fine Thyme Theatre Company’s production of ‘Shortland Street - The Musical’. Gilly is a veteran performing arts practitioner who, after teaching herself piano at the age of 10, and later abandoning a nearly completed music degree in pursuit of performing, has spent her life performing, directing, writing, touring and teaching. She is comfortable in the realm of comedy and music, which makes a perfect fit for the Cromwell-based musical performance next month.“We are so privileged to be working with such a talented creative team,” Fine Thyme Theatre Company president Katie Lindsay said, adding that the district is “in for a treat with this absolute Kiwi-classic”.The production includes a cast of 20 actors, singers, and dancers from all over Central Otago, including Wanaka.Director Lisa Clough holds a diploma in teaching Speech and Drama from the Trinity College of London, and has taught music and drama in schools, and co-managed Drama Queenstown. Choreographer Tiffany Bindon has experience in a wide range of dance genres, including musical theatre.‘Shortland Street – The Musical’ will run from July 16-24 in the Cromwell College Auditorium. Tickets are now on sale. Find more information here.PHOTO: Supplied

A Wanaka-based mental health and well-being advocate is using local faces in a national mental health campaign, with the aim of normalising asking for help. Wanaka-based WellSouth Primary Health Network suicide prevention coordinator Karyn Munro said the project she is coordinating adds images of local residents to posters, promoting the national free counselling service 1737. In addition to raising the profile of the service locally, her aim is to make it relatable, accessible, and relevant - and to reach groups who might not ordinarily think to ask for help. “The idea is to raise awareness of and encourage people to take up ‘help-thinking behaviour’,” Karen said.  1737 is New Zealand’s national mental health and addictions helpline number; the four-digit number is free to text or call anytime to talk with a trained counsellor. It is staffed by a team of paid counsellors who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “Asking for help can be new to many people,” Karyn said. “Using local people brings home the message that people who might want to talk or need a little extra help are our friends and neighbours.” The initiative is based on a similar campaign that was used in South Canterbury, created by Annette Beautrais.  An initial photo shoot took place last week at the Mitre 10 in Wanaka, aimed at people working in the trades. Other photos in the campaign will include a new mum, a man in his 20s and another man after 40. The photos have been taken by local photographer Jodie James. Localising the 1737 campaign is part of a shared approach to coordinating mental health and well-being services and support in Central Lakes, led by the Central Lakes Well-Being Recovery Group. Southern District Health Board allied health director for mental health Adell Cox said the plan is to extend the 1737 localised promotion across Queenstown and Central Otago. “The Central Lakes Wellbeing Recovery Group hopes the use of local people for the 1737 posters helps make the images relatable to people in our community and underlies the message that 1737 is a resource for anyone in need,” Adell said. Learn more about 1737 here. PHOTOS: Jodie James 

Wanaka resident Ross Black is appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to health in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.Ross founded the Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust and was chair from 1998 to 2019, spearheading a $3.5M fundraising drive for a dedicated rescue helicopter in the Otago area.The trust now has four dedicated rescue helicopters. Ross described his role to the Wanaka App as “a small bit player”, and says he was surprised to be nominated for the honour.“I’m not the hero in the story,” he said, adding that Graeme and Rosslyn Gale (who have run Helicopters Otago since 1993), their pilots and paramedics are the real heroes.Ross, who started his business life with an outdoor leisure company, moved on to become an independent company director on a variety of companies.“I’ve had some amazing association with some amazing companies and people,” he said, adding: “But without a doubt, the most rewarding and dearest to my heart has been the rescue helicopter trust.”“It’s given me a very privileged insight into the paramedic and pilots; their dedication, competence, and the connection with the hospital. It’s an amazing service and I’ve really been quite delighted to be involved with it.”Time to celebrate? See Dine | Drink in your Wanaka AppOtago in the 1990s didn’t have a rescue helicopter, despite having “a lot of people who live and work and play in comparatively remote locations”. “When Graeme Gale came to me and said we really need to be upside with Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, that was the starting point for us all getting together,” Ross said.The group of businessmen founding the trust had no funding, and raised the money to buy the equipment and build the helipad at Dunedin Hospital, underwriting the financial risk.Ross was instrumental in obtaining a significant value in donated professional services, supporting the day-to-day operations of the rescue helicopter service, as well as ground-breaking equipment upgrades, such as night-vision goggles and GPS routes that enabled missions in conditions that would not have otherwise been possible. From inception until Ross’ retirement in March 2019, the Otago rescue helicopter service transported more than 9,500 patients to hospital.“That’s a lot of anxious, worried people,” Ross said.The trust has benefitted the Otago and Southland community across farm and workplace, sporting, and vehicle accidents, sea and land rescues, major medical events and transfers from smaller hospitals. Ross noted the “brilliant” regard for the trust in the community.“During my time we raised $15M from the community - and it wasn’t difficult. Everyone knows about the rescue helicopter and wants to support it.”“I still get a lump in my throat when I’m at the base and see the machine scrambling to get in the air. It only takes two or three minutes - the crews are running, everyone knows exactly what their job is and they are going as fast as they can to get the best outcome for the person at the other end.”“The passion for the rescue helicopter service - the dedication of the staff, and to be associated with those people has really been a true joy and an inspiration,” he said.Ross also acknowledged the other trustees, who freely give their time to support and guide the trust.“It’s not just me - there’s been a dedicated group of trustees,” he said.Ross was also trustee and chair of the Healthcare Otago Charitable Trust from 1999 to 2014, during which time he oversaw the implementation of an investment policy that built the trust’s funds to more than $17M and distributions to the community of more than $10M for equipment, training, research and community projects.Ross was a director of Canterbury Health Boards from 1996 to 2001 and chair of Otago District Health Board from 1998 to 2001.He and his wife Sue have lived in Wanaka for about 14 years. Ross retired in March 2019, and said he looks back and marvels that he “ever had any time to do any work”.“I’m a poor golfer, and a reasonably keen but aging skier,” Ross said, adding that his second big passion is his four grandchildren. See the full list of Queen's Birthday Honours here.PHOTO: Wanaka App

Dr Maxwell (Max) Shepherd, CNZM, JP is appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to biotechnology and business in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.Wanaka resident Max is an award-winning biotechnologist who played a leading role in the emergence and success of the New Zealand biotechnology industry.A proud West Coaster, Max studied chemistry at Canterbury University and went on to complete his PhD in biochemistry in Canada. He then moved to Dunedin and counts himself fortunate to have been appointed as Foundation Professor Oral Biology at Otago University from 1981 to 1994.His pioneering research in the biology and molecular genetics of human pathogen Candida albicans - a major problem in AIDS patients in the 1980s - put New Zealand at the forefront of this research internationally, with the laboratory he established remaining an international leader. Max told the Wanaka App one of the highlights of his career has been working with “wonderful, talented young students”.“I think I’ve been very privileged in that I’ve had a happy and successful academic career and I’ve equally enjoyed the last 20 years in the business community,” he said.Time to celebrate? See Dine | Drink in your Wanaka AppIn the late 1980s he saw an opportunity in the practical application and commercial funding of science in New Zealand, and from the mid-1990s he became a pioneer in this area.“I had good, strong contacts - friends - in the academic and business community, and strong support from Lorraine [his wife],” Max said, adding the University of Otago Vice Chancellor also encouraged him to branch out as an entrepreneur.So he “took the risk”, and with the help of Dunedin businessman Howard Paterson set up several companies which became successful as biotechnology blossomed in the 1990s.The start-up enterprises, such as Zentech, PharmaZen, A2 Milk, Biocell Corporation, and Blis Technologies, focused on commercialisation of scientific research. Max’s commercialisation model is now widely adopted by start-ups in the industry.His inventive problem solving has contributed to products and projects benefiting diverse areas of New Zealand resources, including rabbit virus management in Central Otago and natural botrytis solutions for the wine industry. Max said it has been rewarding watching companies like PharmaZen and BioCell flourish.“Biotech is a long haul,” he said, with some companies taking 20 odd years to hit their stride.“Opportunities arise as you build your reputation - you’ve got to serve your apprenticeship.”Max retains a strong involvement in BioCell as a director and in management, enjoying product development the most.He was appointed to the government’s Biotechnology Taskforce in 2003 and was a member of the National Research Advisory Council. Max and his wife moved permanently to Wanaka around 2014. They had owned a crib on Rata Street since the late 1990s.Max was a founding committee member from 2012 of the Wanaka branch of the Royal Society of New Zealand and was chair from 2015 to 2017.Max does volunteer trapping with the Diamond Lake Conservation Trust, and is a keen mountain biker, plays tennis and skis at Treble Cone in the winter.“I love mountain biking, it’s my biggest passion,” he said. The 78-year-old moved to an e-bike when he turned 75, and bikes three times a week.He cites Deans Bank and Bike Glendhu as his favourite tracks, but he also recently biked the new Lake Dunstan Trail, which he described as “world class”.See the full list of Queen's Birthday Honours here.PHOTO: Wanaka App

Wanaka resident John Ombler, CNZM, QSO is appointed a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to the public service in this year’s Queen’s Birthday Honours List.John has had a 43-year career in the public service and was appointed a Companion of the Queen’s Service Order in 2013 for his services to the state.John’s career began close to his Wanaka home: in Makarora, as a park assistant. He became a ranger, and worked in national parks around the country before becoming a senior manager in the Department of Conservation.He then moved to a role in the former State Services Commission (now Public Service Commission).“One of the greatest things is actually being able to serve the public,” John told the Wanaka App. “I think we’re well blessed with a very dedicated public service in New Zealand, and being able to be a part of it is a privilege.”John pointed out that much of the work the public service does is not in isolation, but working with Iwi, NGOs, and community groups, among others.“A lot of these things are really a team effort,” he said. “I am working alongside some really amazing people, and that has been very, very rewarding.”Time to celebrate? See Dine | Drink in your Wanaka AppThe characterisation of New Zealand’s response to Covid-19 as the work of “a team of five million” sums up that team approach, he said.John noted how well New Zealand consistently ranks in the global democracy index as one of the least corrupt public services, and said one of the great things about New Zealanders is that they care about their public services, and when they feel they aren’t being well-served “they don’t hesitate to say”.Since his retirement in 2013, when he returned to his birthplace of Otago by moving to Wanaka, John has gone back twice to lead public service agencies in response to significant crises. He reprised his role as chief executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority from 2014 to 2016, the year CERA was disestablished. In 2020 he became All-of-Government Controller for the response to Covid-19, chairing the five-member National Response Leadership Team, made up of the Director-General of Health, Director of Civil Defence and Emergency Management, and the All-of-Government Operations and Strategy and Policy Leads. In this role, he had responsibility and oversight for coordinating the public service response at a strategic and operational level – from the National Crisis Management Centre, to cross-agency officials’ meetings, to on-the ground delivery. Meeting daily during the initial months of the pandemic outbreak, the team had a key role in advising the prime minister and cabinet on the complex breadth of Covid-19 matters, andensuring public service agencies were ready to turn executive decisions into practice. In November 2017 John was appointed to conduct an inquiry under the State Services Commissioner into financial irregularities at the Waikato District Health Board.John is now on a five person panel, commissioned by Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta, looking at the future of local government in NZ. He will be travelling a great deal, but always returning to Wanaka, and said while technology enables him to work remotely, “face to face is very important” in his role.John and his wife have a large property in Wanaka and are avid gardeners, and in the spirit of public service which marks his career, he also volunteers for the Matukituki Restoration Trust.“We are up the valley regularly clearing stoat traps, which we thoroughly enjoy contributing to,” he said.As for how much change in the public service John has observed during his career, he said: “The public service has modernised hugely, we’re able to operate in different ways, but the core value of serving the community hasn’t changed and I hope it never does.”John acknowledged his “supportive and accommodating” family during a time of “huge domestic disruption” during the past few years when he returned to the public service.See the full list of Queen's Birthday Honours here.PHOTO: Supplied

Community group Aspiring Rotary is selling ‘The Good Oil’ to help raise funds to buy a state of the art, supportive chair for Zoe Eyers, a young girl suffering with Rett Syndrome. The local child, who will turn four in November, has suffered from Rett Syndrome her whole life. The condition is a mutation in one gene and means that Zoe is unable to sit still and perform normal day-to-day functions.Zoe’s mother Adele Eyers said the chair will mean Zoe can “perform normal daily activities that we all take for granted”.It is specially designed with lateral supports, harness seat belt and a tray and the seating ensures comfort and good posture. “She will be able to sit with us at a family dinner without us having to hold her and be comfortable,” Adele said. Harry Briggs, an active member in Aspiring Rotary, said “we want to raise $3000 which means selling about 700-800 bottles. The chair costs $10,500, so anything extra will go to helping the family.” Zoe is also unable to speak, but a special eye-gaze software means she will be able to communicate when she is comfortable and maintains her posture, which the chair will help her to achieve. Zoe’s parents Adele and Sarah Eyers said the community support was “lovely”.  “We can only do fundraising to a certain point because we both work full time. It’s just such a kind gesture to help us to raise funds.” The Good Oil being sold are 100 per cent New Zealand made rapeseed oil and sunflower seed oils locally grown in Canterbury and cold pressed at Pure Oil New Zealand's modern crush plant in Canterbury. The link to buy the oil is available here. PHOTO: Supplied

A Wanaka business owner is doing her bit to increase public awareness about plant-based eating. Olivia Faid, owner of Balance Me, has organised a second Meatless Monday event for this coming Monday (May 31).The first Meatless Monday Community Showcase was held at Alchemy at the end of March. It was an eating and cooking demonstration that allowed people to try food they'd never eaten before. Olivia organised the event and was joined by 10 other local, "successful, women-run" businesses. Welcome drinks were provided by Swig Kombucha and Borage and Bee, canapes were provided by The People’s Bread and Taste of Alps, and Balance Me gave a live cooking demonstration and served a canape dinner. After the main meal, attendees were treated to a tea show from Revology and sweet treats from Good Roots. Honest Wholefood Co identified simple changes that can be made in order to live a more sustainable life.The first Meatless Monday event in March. PHOTO: The People's BreadEverything was donated, and Olivia was overjoyed by the success of the evening, but what really impressed her was witnessing the "strong support system between women".  Olivia started to look at what she ate when she worked as a ski instructor in Canada. She noticed that people's performance changed after lunch: Half her clients would be "killing it" and the other half would be complaining about feeling tired, and wanting to stop early. She started wondering what they ate for lunch. "I knew there was something more to this. You're meant to be giving yourself energy and calories, and you're meant to be able to excel when they burn."She discovered it was people eating plant-based lunches who felt best. Now, adopting a plant-based diet is an experience she's helping others enjoy.Through her business, Olivia hopes to educate people about the options available and show them how to make use of what's available. She caters for events, provides weekly meal delivery, and offers in-home meal preparation that serves as a learning opportunity as well as a pathway to a delicious home-cooked meal.She sees Balance Me as a stepping stone for people who don't have the time, energy or space to even think about starting to cook food, but they don't want to order take-aways anymore. The second Meatless Monday Autumn Edition will take place at Alchemy on Monday (May 31) from 6-9pm. Tickets are available here.

Wanaka’s Jody Direen is in the running for Best Country Music Artist at the Aotearoa Music Awards.Recorded Music New Zealand and APRA AMCOS NZ recognised outstanding contributions to the Aotearoa country music scene from the past year yesterday (Tuesday May 18).The finalists for Recorded Music NZ Best Country Music Artist feature Jody for ‘Smokin’ Ashes’ and Tami Neilson for ‘CHICKABOOM’, as well as newcomer Ryan Fisherman for ‘Vibe’. Both Jody and Tami are previous winners."I'm grateful to be recognised in the industry by Recorded Music and APRA AMCOS and I'm looking forward to performing at the awards,” Jody said.“It's very clear to me that the country music culture in New Zealand is growing and evolving and I'm happy to be a part of it.” Since releasing her debut album five years ago, Jody has been hard at work making music for audiences in New Zealand and overseas.After winning the Tui for Best Country Music Artist in 2017 for her third album Shake Up, Jody continued to record and tour, headlining her own shows. She performed in Australia's first ever C2C Festival in 2019 with Tim McGraw and is a headline act for this year’s Top Paddock Music Festival in Gore. On June 3, finalists of the Aotearoa Music Awards will walk the red carpet at St James Theatre in Gore and perform to a sold out crowd before winners are announced.PHOTO: Supplied

A Wanaka nurse doing her bit to support rescue helicopters is heading off on her fifth year of a gruelling fundraiser.Rebecca Grant is taking part in the 250km Queenstown to Invercargill bike ride today (Friday May 7) as part of the Westpac Chopper Appeal.“I’m a nurse practitioner at Aspiring Medical Centre, so these helicopters are very near and dear to my heart,” she said.“We see one about once a week, and I had two in one day recently.”Rebecca said rescue helicopters are used for a lot of medical work these days, not just rescues, to get patients quickly to a tertiary hospital by saving time on the road.Helicopters fly from Queenstown to Wanaka in just 20 minutes, and from Wanaka to Dunedin in just 40 minutes, and they are all equipped with intensive care paramedics, Rebecca said.Riders and supporters at a previous Westpac Chopper Appeal ride.While Westpac Helicopters aren’t used locally, the Westpac Trust ensures that money raised in a region goes toward rescue helicopter services in that region: in the case of the Upper Clutha, the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust and Otago Rescue Helicopter Trust.While this is the fifth year Rebecca has been involved with the Queenstown to Invercargill ride, it’s only her third year riding in it (she drove one of the lead cars for two years).The cyclists will start at the Frankton Westpac and finish at the Kelvin Street Westpac in Invercargill, with a stop in Riversdale for lunch.Rebecca said she was most looking forward to “catching up with everyone because it’s been a bit lonely training up here by myself”.What she isn’t looking forward to are the hills: particularly the “big one” at Five Rivers, and the ride through the Waimumu Hills after Gore.Sir John Kirwan, one of Westpac’s ambassadors, will also be one of the 100 riders.Last year was meant to be the tenth anniversary of the fundraiser, which has raised $60,000 for the Lakes District Air Rescue Trust each year since its inception. Previously each rider aimed to raise $1000, with a cap of 60 riders, but this year it has been raised to 100 riders.Those who want to support Rebecca, and the rescue helicopter service, can do so via a Givealittle page.PHOTOS: Supplied

Wanaka’s Festival of Colour 2021 has wrapped up with more than 9,000 tickets sold over 40 events across eight days.And for outgoing festival director Philip Tremewan, it was a relief to present the festival in full with no disruptions due to Covid-19.“We know we are so very lucky to have been able to share the experience of live performance on stage in venues with audiences with no physical distancing,” he said. “We are one of the only places in the world where this can happen and it was very special.”This festival, the ninth Festival of Colour, marked the end of an era with Philip retiring after being at the helm since the festival started in 2005.Lights at acrobatics at ‘The Air Between Us’. PHOTO: Ray Tiddy“This year was also special because due to Covid-19 we could only present New Zealand acts and that made this a celebration of home-grown talent.”The festival attracted new audiences in 2021, partly due to there being some hesitation by audiences to buying in advance, he said.“We’ve often sold out most shows a month or six weeks in advance of the festival,” Philip said.The Carnivorous Plant Society performing for a packed audience at the Pacific Crystal Palace. PHOTO: Ray Tiddy“This year that didn’t happen which meant there were tickets available to many shows during the festival dates and this opened up opportunities for those last-minute ticket purchasers. And this was reflected in a younger crowd coming along to many shows.” The festival featured three world premieres including sold-out performances of the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s Ultra Violet / The Autumn Ball, and new play The Hall.‘Rollicking Theatre’ brought hijinks and laughs to the busiest ever Street Theatre Day. PHOTO: Ray TiddyTwelve shows sold out and an extensive community programme with physical theatre, poetry, visual art, photography and ballet was the festival’s biggest yet.Sophie Kelly takes up the reins as artistic director for the Festival of Colour and her first festival will be in April 2023. Philip will organise the programme for Aspiring Conversations running April 1-3, 2022.See also: Festival hot takes: local talent, brain boosters and fake news 

The upcoming winter season will see two of Aspiring Avalanche Dogs’ four-legged members stepping down, with Rocket and Zeffer moving on to a well-deserved retirement.Rocket, a border collie, worked eight seasons as an operational search and rescue dog alongside his handler, Matt Gunn. "It's a sad day when you have to leave your best mate at home as he watches you drive off. This will be the case when I load the truck and head off to Treble Cone or Cardrona this winter for training or to be on standby after a storm with Wizzid, his successor,” Matt said.Zeffer will also be enjoying the quiet retirement life. Zeff's place by Callum Grant's side will be taken by his little brother-in-paw Ziggie, who is very excited about his first winter and his introduction to snow.“Zeffer has been a faithful companion and great company on the hill,” Callum said.“While travelling up with ski patrol, he would often break into song. Pink Floyd and The Who were some of his favourite artists to sing along to."Zeffer will enjoy his retirement at Valli winery, where he helps champion winemaker Jen Parr make a world-class pinot noir.Retiring a working dog is never easy, as their drive is often stronger than their body, Matt and Callum said. The transition period poses many organisational and emotional challenges to the handlers."Rocket will be aware that the alarm clock is going off way earlier than usual. He will recognise that I'm getting my snow clothes on and smell the familiar equipment. He will know where we are going and the fun and adventures he is now missing out on. Adventures that have been a huge part of his life for the past ten years, but now have come to an end," Matt said.Fans of Rocket and Zeffer will have a chance to thank them in person at an upcoming fundraiser on May 21 at Kai Whakapai. It will also be an opportunity to help the organisation, which relies entirely on volunteers and the support of the community.PHOTO: Supplied

Two well-known figures in Wanaka gymnastics have been recognised with accolades by Otago Gymnastics.The coach/gymnast team of Rae Paterson and Bella Soper, from Wanaka’s Aspiring Gymsports, were nominated for awards by coaches and officials from other clubs. Rae Paterson won the Nola Paterson Award for services to gymnastics in Otago, in particular for her coaching across the codes from pre-school, men’s and women’s competitive and recreational gymnastics, and her continuing work in promoting a new gymnastic facility in the area.“I was thrilled to receive the award,” Rae told the Wanaka App. “It was presented in honour of my late mother Nola Paterson. l’m the second recipient and it’s lovely to be recognised for 19 years of service to gymnastics in Wanaka and Otago, since we started on April 17 2002.”Bella Soper won two awards: the Top Otago Gymnast in Step 8 (for the second year running), and the Noeline Munro Award for the highest score by an Otago gymnast in a national competition. Bella started her gymnastic career at Mini Muscles (run by Aspiring Gymsports) and has been a club member for 15 years. She told the Wanaka App she was “very honoured” to have received the awards. “It was very exciting for me seeing all my hard work pay off and I can’t wait for the award to be won by a future Wanaka gymnast,” she said..Rae said Bella has retired from competitive gymnastics after “an amazing journey”.“She is the first gymnast from Wanaka to qualify at a national level and represent Otago three times at New Zealand Champs, and so far the only Wanaka gymnast to earn a gold and silver medal at Nationals.”Rae said the Covid-19 restrictions in 2020 “wiped Bella’s chance” of her first NZ team trial. Bella will continue her gymnastic journey as a club coach, Rae said.PHOTO: Supplied

Wanaka Search and Rescue has received $4,500 from proceeds of the OXFORD Land Rover Rally 2021, which was held in conjunction with Wheels at Wanaka 2021.The rally, organised by Anne and Rod Corbett, comprised three one-day safaris over local high country stations.Each safari was limited to 80 vehicles - all Land Rovers, and each driver donated $20 per safari.The star of the show was OXFORD, a 1955 Series 1 Land Rover. The 66-year-old veteran was one of the two original Land Rovers that completed the first overland expedition from London to Singapore.Although commonplace now, a vehicle overland trip from west to east had never been completed then, fewer than 10 years after World War II. Seven months after leaving London, OXFORD and its companion, CAMBRIDGE, rolled into Singapore, having driven over 12,000 miles through three continents of deserts, jungles and mountains.The Festival of Colour has a music lovers' package to give away ... see Win Stuff in your Wanaka AppLake Hāwea resident Gemma Nott was a special attendee at the rally this past week. Her father Henry Nott was one of six Oxford and Cambridge University students who achieved the first overland journey in 1955/56.Henry was the designated mechanic who kept wheels turning to ensure both vehicles got there - and back. The rally was the first opportunity Gemma had to view and ride in OXFORD, as it led the afternoon parade of more than 120 Land Rovers at Wheels at Wanaka.Wanaka SAR’s Aaron Nicholson (right) accepts the donation from Rod and Anne Corbett. Rally organiser Rod Corbett is well acquainted with the story of the First Overland and the re-discovery of OXFORD on St Helena Island in the South Atlantic. He also knew that OXFORD was touring the USA, and contacted owner Adam Bennett to investigate the possibility of getting it to New Zealand. Adam was agreeable to the idea if a few tricky details like transportation and insurance could be worked out.Ian Jenner, of Jenners Worldwide Freight NZ, offered to help with transport, and STAR Insurance provided insurance. When Jaguar Land Rover NZ agreed to display OXFORD at all JLR Dealerships in New Zealand, the deal was sealed. OXFORD was shipped to New Zealand, arriving in Auckland late January 2021.Since then, OXFORD has joined Land Rover owner rallies and events throughout the country, one of which was the National Land Rover Owners Rally, held here in conjunction with Wheels at Wanaka this Easter. On March 31, the first safari of the rally travelled from the Southern Hemisphere Proving Grounds over Mt Pisa and then south along the Pisa Range, exiting via Lowburn Station. The second safari the following day (April 1) traversed Forest Range Station to Mt Grand before descending Grandview Station to Lake Hāwea. The third safari on Good Friday (April 2) was a traverse up to a high point on Hillend Station to experience magnificent views over the lake before returning to Wanaka.Highlights of the event were captured by film crews from TVNZ’s Seven Sharp programme. While in Wanaka, the Corbetts looked after OXFORD, and also generously shared the privilege of driving it across the Central Otago landscape. Kevin and Mike Scurr drove it over Hillend Station for the Seven Sharp filming.In 2019 a return journey from Singapore back to London was undertaken by OXFORD. Land Rover UK sponsored the journey, simply called “The Last Overland”.PHOTOS: Supplied

Queenstown Airport Corporation (QAC) chief executive Colin Keel has resigned, the QAC board of directors has announced.Colin has had the top job at QAC for the past five years.He will continue in his role until the end of the current financial year to complete the stabilisation of the business and position it for recovery following what has been “the most challenging period in the company’s history” due to the impacts of Covid-19, the board said in a statement.  Colin will then relocate to Auckland to “pursue other opportunities”, the board said.QAC chair Adrienne Young-Cooper recognised Colin’s contribution to the business and its shareholders over many years, through both a time of exponential regional growth and more recently the challenges of Covid-19.  “Colin has demonstrated the agility and courage required of a leader in two very different and extreme operating environments. He has been unfailing in his commitment to the success of QAC, and the broader airport community as well as the place of Queenstown and Wanaka airports in the region,” she said.Colin said it had been a privilege leading the business over a period of change. “The QAC team and all those who work at the airports are hard-working, dedicated members of the community and committed to its wellbeing. Despite the current challenges, the future is full of tremendous opportunities for the business, airports and region,” he said.The board of directors will now begin a formal search process to select Colin’s successor.PHOTO: Supplied

McIvor Plumbers & Gasfitters Wanaka founder Stu McIvor and apprentice Brent Ewing have scooped top accolades at the New Zealand Plumbing Awards.Stu was awarded the Graeme Victor Smith contribution to the industry award at the national awards last Friday evening (March 26) in Blenheim.The award recognises commitment to master plumbers, to the industry, to running a successful business and to developing young and future plumbers.Stu told the Wanaka App he had no idea he was in the running for the award. “I was very humbled. It was a wee bit special for sure,” he said.Stu started his trade in the early 1970s in Dunedin and moved to Wanaka more than 20 years ago to set up McIvor Plumbers. He has been a member of Master Plumbers Otago Southland throughout.Brent and Stu with Stu’s contribution to the industry award, which was awarded by namesake Graeme Smith.“I do love the plumbing industry,” Stu said. “I’ve always loved the fact someone trained me, and we try to pass that on.”His business usually has about four apprentices on board at any given time, and they have just taken on a young woman apprentice.“Apprentices are the lifeblood of the industry,” Stu said.McIvor’s apprentice Brent Ewing won the national NZ apprentice of the year (the James Douglas Medallion) and the Otago Southland apprentice of the year in 2020, but was unable to be presented with the awards because of the Covid-19 restrictions. He received both awards at last week’s event.“Ever since day one his work ethic has been fantastic,” Stu said of Brent, who has been with McIvor for almost six years.The James Douglas Medallion recognises outstanding recently qualified tradespersons who have demonstrated hard work, commitment and determination to achieve industry success. PHOTOS: Wanaka App

A little red, hand-painted food truck houses one of Wanaka’s best kept food secrets and a woman determined to share her love for food and people with every meal she serves.  Isan Zahra was born and grew up in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh where, at her grandmother’s side, she developed a passion for the magic of cooking.“She is my inspiration,” Isan told the Wanaka App. “She often used very minimal ingredients but what I would see is she would invest a lot into cooking - giving attention, love, time and care to a meal. That transforms a dish to a different level.” Isan has also adopted her grandmother’s love of spices to create mouthwatering food - learning from her how to toast, fry or combine them to release amazing scents and flavours. Isan’s dishes included up to 20 different spices, and through asking her customers for feedback, she has found the sweet spot that incorporates the best of her traditional cuisine with flavours that are adapted to also suit a Western palate.  At her little Brownston Street food truck, dishes like ‘chaat’ are proving to be customer favourites; it’s the type of dish sold on every street corner in BangladeshFind places to Dine | Drink in your Wanaka AppThe dish is vibrant in colour, with a mix of hot and cold ingredients and punchy flavours that are light and comforting: “It includes two fried samosas with chickpea gravy on top, and yoghurt raita, chutney, masala, and salad.” “Every corner of the community [in Bangladesh] will have one little stall and every one will be a little different.” Continuing her Bangladeshi cooking helps keep her food tradition alive for Isan’s family of four, who have lived in the UK and Australia since leaving Bangladesh. They landed in Wanaka two and a half years ago. Until her serendipitous move to Wanaka, Isan had only lived in big cities, but she has since discovered she is at home in the small town.  “We were blown away with how fortunate we are to be here surrounded by this beautiful scenery; the mountains and the lake; we got a lot of help finding a house and settling here; the community has so much love,” Isan said. “It is so special to be somewhere I can finally say is a home away from home.”That community spirit rallied for Isan when she feared her eponymous food truck might have to close after finally turning her love of cooking into a career in November 2019. Isan had worked a variety of jobs, from airline work to aged care, before she finally decided to take the plunge, buy a second-hand truck and give the Isan food truck a shot. “My brother is very fond of my food and he said to me that I am the happiest when I am cooking; and I should make a living out of it,” Isan said. “I decided to try.” When the economic impacts of Covid-19 hit, a team of supporters showed up to lend help. “They told me if I closed then they would be showing up at my house to eat my food,” she said. Customers offered assistance with social media, photography and online promotion, as well as spreading the word among friends and family. “My customers believed in me; they wanted my food and they wanted me to stick around. That made me feel so lucky. I am so grateful.” Isan said that even if she has lost money creating the Isan food truck, she has gained much in the connection, love and support she’s received from Wanaka locals.  “What I will take away from this is the love I have got from the customers,” she said. Isan’s goal is to keep afloat this year and survive through the Covid-19 pandemic to pay back the support she’s received from many of the Wanaka community. PHOTO: Wanaka App